WHAT: The Food Industry Energy Efficiency Technologies Showcase is part of the Energy Commission's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program designed to highlight how new technology is improving California's food processing industry. Subjects to be discussed include new research and demonstration projects which encourage energy efficiency, cost savings, reliability, and environmental stewardship in California's food processing industry. Several PIER-funded research projects are currently installed in
multiple industrial applications.

WHEN: Friday, September 29, 9:00 a.m. Ð 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center, University of California, Davis. The center is adjacent to the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. A map is available here. http://alumnicenter.ucdavis.edu

WHY: Energy efficiency measures are visible in all areas of commerce and society. In California, the food and wine industry is a vital component of the state's economic growth and a factor in the Central Valley's economy. As the third largest user of electricity ad natural gas in the state, the food processing industry is taking steps to conserve energy and limit greenhouse gas emissions through PIER technology and research.

WHO: Leading experts in the area of food science and energy efficiency will present research at this one-day conference. California Energy Commissioner Art Rosenfeld will offer opening remarks. Representatives from the California League of Food Processors, California Manufacturing & Technology Alliance, Del Monte Foods, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Pacific Gas and Electric, and UC, Davis will be attending this one-day event. Both Wine Secrets and LBNL are recipients of the 2005 Flex Your Power Awards.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Fetzer Vineyards - Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) developed a computer-based benchmarking tool for California's 1,100 wineries, in partnership with Fetzer Vineyards and with support from the Energy Commission. The Benchmarking and Energy and Water Savings Tool (BEST) allows vintners to compare their energy use to that of similar reference wineries. BEST then recommends technologies and practices that save energy, water and money. LBNL is developing similar tools for other industries.

Winesecrets - Winesecrets introduces energy-saving technologies to California's wineries. Its Selective Tartrate Removal System (STARS) eliminates the need for refrigeration and reheating during tartrate removal, resulting in a 95% electricity reduction for this process. If adopted by all California wineries, STARS could save 24 million kilowatts each year. With support from utilities and the California Energy Commission, Winesecrets is demonstrating STARS to the wine industry. Winesecrets also has low-energy processes to reduce wine pH.

COST: Free.

BACKGROUND: The event is sponsored by the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program of the California Energy Commission. The PIER program supports energy research, development and demonstration (RD&D) projects that will help improve the quality of life in California by bringing environmentally safe, affordable and reliable energy services and products to the marketplace.

PIER annually awards up to $62 million to conduct public interest energy research by partnering with organizations including individuals, businesses, utilities, and public or private research institutions. PIER brings new energy services and products to the marketplace and creates statewide environmental and
economic benefits.